Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
- Become a highly motivated and competent specialist with a substantial theoretical and practical skillset.
- Gain the skills to design a computer network infrastructure, administer, manage and maintain computer network systems which meet the needs of organisations.
Computer networks provide the supporting infrastructure for the global internet. National and international businesses as well as home users need computer networks to function securely, efficiently and cost effectively.
You will learn the theory and technical skills to be able to graduate as a network engineering specialist, ready for a career as a developer, designer, manager or administrator of these highly complex networked systems.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.
Case study and problem solving activities, often in groups, allow you to deepen your understanding through an active learning approach.
Problem solving is a key component of many activities and you are encouraged to be a reflective learner in preparation for life long learning.
You are closely supported and monitored by module leaders and the course team to ensure the required skills are developed. You learn through
- lectures
- tutorials
- practical lab sessions
In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience — developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.
Course leaders and tutors
Matthew Love
Principal Lecturer & Quality LeadMy own skills have developed in line with the changes in technologies, from microprocessor programming, though team building of software, multimedia technologies, sy … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.
You are supported by placement tutors, and a college placement team through the process of successfully getting a placement and then while on placement.
Networking opportunities
Throughout the final year there are numerous opportunities for you to engage with career management, career fairs and workshops, employer presentations, visits, and professional advisors.
Opportunities for further study and professional certifications like CCNA and/or CCNA security are available as well as opportunities to engage in research and funded projects after graduation.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career as a
- applications support analyst
- business consultant
- data storage manager
- information security manager
- infrastructure engineer
- IT engineer
- IT solutions analyst
- network engineer
- sales
- support specialist
- security analyst
- service desk analyst
- software developer
- software engineer
- system administrator
- technical support engineer
- web developer
with many now working in senior management roles or as directors of their own companies.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you will work with
- industry standard specialist computing packages, tools and hardware
- a specialist networking lab for use in formal laboratory exercises and for individual project work
Learn more about your department
Computing facilities tour
Take a look around the facilities and equipment in the Department of Computing at Sheffield Hallam University.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Foundations In Computing | Credits: 120 |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Computer Systems And Architecture | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Computer And Information Security | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Network Fundamentals | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professionalism And Employability Skills | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Programming For Computing | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Database Administration And Security | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Enterprise Networks | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Network Server Management And Configuration | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Project Based Learning | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Web Application Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 4
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Enterprise Applications Management | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Network Design And Management | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Network Security | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Project (Network, Cyber And Forensics) | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Data Storage | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Offensive Forensics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Computing courses (PDF, 246.1KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
